Kukla's Korner Hockey

Fourth liners are not supposed to have that sort of an impact on the outcome at this time of year, and when they do, it’s usually because they score an unexpected goal or make a helpful play. Eager? Well, he did score a goal – his first of the playoffs – but too late to make a difference in the outcome, a final window-dressing score that he celebrated with gusto, arms raised high.

Talk about wearing the black hat. Eager then delivered a verbal greeting to fallen goaltender Roberto Luongo as he skated away from the crease, prompting a melee that left both teams unhappy. Luongo wouldn’t share the conversation, but took a little pot shot of his own afterward, noting that the Canucks like it when Eager plays. They want the 27-year-old from Ottawa on the ice, instead of on the bench or in the press box.

Sharks’ coach Todd McLellan was clearly looking for energy from Eager, but he also wants control to accompany that energy – not the sort of grandstanding, look-at-me performance that he delivered in the waning moments. Eager escaped NHL justice for his second-period boarding penalty on Daniel Sedin, so you can expect McLellan to come right back with him tonight.